‘Bears! Bears! Bears!’ at the Akwesasne Library

The Akwesasne Library hosted their annual Summer Reading Program in three different sessions throughout this past summer. Three different teachers worked with the different age groups as part of New York State’s summer reading program. The teachers were responsible for choosing a different book each day and coming up with an age appropriate craft for the kids to complete. Once each craft activity was done, the Akwesasne Library provided kids with a light snack.

“We typically go to the St. Regis Mohawk School to see if any teachers are interested in reading for the summer,” said Akwesasne Library Director Glory Cole. “This summer’s theme is ‘One World, Many Stories’.”

The first round of the reading program targeted students in Grades 3-6, although they wouldn’t have turned anyone away who was younger or older than that group. Theresa Swamp worked with the kids who came out on the Tuesday through Thursday of the two week period between July 12 to July 21. The second round of the reading program targeted students in grades 2-4 with Shelby Bero as the teacher. This program ran for two weeks Monday through Friday from July 25 until August 5.

Deanna Lauzon helping Lenni Terrance with her coloring

This last set of story time and activities took place between Monday through Thursday on August 8 until August 18. Deanne Lauzon was the selected reader and leader of the different craft activities that corresponded with the books.

“I love it, I love working with the kids,” said Lauzon. “I try to find books that the kids will like and get different activities so each day is a different experience.”

On the last day of each program the Akwesasne Library provided the kids with a backpack to take home that was full of stuff for them including books. They are also treated to a movie in the library with lunch to celebrate the end of the program. This series is run each year and is open to all children in the community to take part in the joy of reading.